Good morning, Marquette.

Jilbert Dairy in Marquette teamed with an anonymous donor to give away about 1,000 gallons of free 2 percent milk at a drive thru event and a friendly cow greeted drivers.

Plant Manager Pat Fitrakis said SNAP benefit delays helped spark the matching donation that led to the largest giveaway in the company’s history — a gesture to support the community.

The Westend Craft Show— a second annual event— will be held at Aspen Ridge Middle School in Ishpeming Township on Saturday, November 8th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., where 75 vendors will offer crafts and visitors can donate non-perishable food to support west end growth.

The NMU Board of Trustees approved a new contract for incoming President Dr. Chris Olsen during a special virtual meeting this afternoon—his contract provides a base salary of $475,000, deferred pay, a housing stipend, and performance bonuses that run from January 5 to June 30, 2031. The board also ratified a three-year labor agreement with AFSCME union employees that gives a 6% raise in the first year and 3% raises in the next two years.

Today, strong November winds hit the region with gusts of 60 mph that knocked down trees + blew debris on roads and left some homes without power.

Weather reports predict a few inches of snow this weekend + local officials ask residents to be cautious.

Autumn in the U.P. is turning to winter—as the last golden leaves fall while winter finches like redpolls and pine grosbeaks begin migrating at local sites.

Wind shifts affect bird numbers and counters at Whitefish Point will finish daily reports next weekend—resuming counts on April 15.

Michigan state leaders approved $4.5M for the Food Bank Council to support families amid the SNAP pause and help deliver meals to seniors, children, and those in need; officials will review the impact in two weeks — while separate legislative proposals to restore food assistance were introduced but will not be brought to a vote.

Michigan State Police launched its fifth annual Winter Coat Drive to help keep local residents warm as temperatures drop.

Donations of new and gently-used coats can be dropped off at designated MSP posts until November 27 — each donation remains in its own county.

On November 6th, the Superior Health Foundation opened its grant cycles for U.P.

Health Impact Grants and Equipment Grants and announced a free webinar set for November 20th — it also allocated $65,000 to help local food pantries facing delays in SNAP benefits.

A festive cooking show called Taste of the Island: Holiday Edition will take place on December 11 at Island Resort+Casino in its new Convention Center grand ballroom with live cooking and decorating demonstrations and food and gift vendors.

Attendees can submit their favorite holiday recipes until November 29 for a chance to have them prepared in the new modern kitchen and added to the evening buffet.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony yesterday at Black Rock Crossing in Marquette marked the opening of fifty new living units — 26 one-room units and 24 two-bedroom units, including nine reserved for tribal members.

The Residences at North Harbor at Lakeshore Boulevard and Hawley Street will open 18 luxury condos next week in Marquette.

Two more buildings will add to a total of 98 units and an open house is set for November 9 from 12-3 p.m.—offering a chance to view five available units—.

Northern Michigan head hockey coach Dave Shyiak previewed the weekend series with Michigan Tech as his team faces the Wildcats today at 7:07 p.m. in Houghton — they will host the second game at Berry Events Center tomorrow at 6:07 p.m. in Marquette.

Next Stop Comedy Show

8:00-9:30 p.m. — Upper Peninsula Brewing Company — Starts at $27.86 — Enjoy a night of laughter with a new line-up of comedians each month.

Marquette Holistic Health Fair

10 AM – 4 PM — Northern Center — Free entry — Discover wellness topics, shop with unique vendors, and engage with like-minded individuals.

Sip & Stretch Yoga Event

10-11 a.m. — Ore Dock Brewing Co. — Cost includes your first beverage! — A revitalizing yoga session paired with craft beer for a community wellness experience.

An Evening with Jeff Daniels

7-9:30 p.m. — Ore Dock Brewing Co. — $50 — Enjoy a night of storytelling and original music from the acclaimed actor and musician Jeff Daniels.

Marquette Turkey Trot 2025

12:09 AM – 11:59 PM — Marquette Senior High School, 1203 W Fair Ave — Save up to $10 on your next event! — Participate in the festive 5K and 10K running events this Thanksgiving.

MWEA Local Section 21 Administrators Workshop

2-9 p.m. — 1000 Commerce Dr, Marquette, MI — $40 for members before 11/23 — Engage with experts on wastewater management through presentations and networking opportunities.

Tuba Christmas Concert

1-2 p.m. — Marquette Regional History Center — Free, donations appreciated — Celebrate the holiday season with a joyful and humorous concert featuring tuba performances.